Non the wiser, Nemesis seemingly agrees with Kyronai's words even as she is stuck with one of his acid-tipped arrows. She flaps her dark wings and takes off in the direction of Mount Olympus.
Entertainer's Lute(Greater)
+2 Striking Bastard Sword
Brooch of Inspiration
Lover's Gloves
Armbands of Athleticism
Bronze Wedding Ring
Aika is barely able to overcome her shock at the previous events. "I did not sign up to kill gods, even misguided ones. Diskord was one thing, but I can't do this anymore. I am sorry." The elf turned chaos god turns in the other direction to walk away.
Kyronai explains that Nemesis will come back and why.
"I truly believe she is no longer immortal. I do not want to see another deity die, but she probably feels like she has no choice but to return and kill us all. We can flee, or we can prepare an ambush."
As he is talking, he'll make sure to collect the dagger that Orpheus threw at Nemesis.
Daphne looks over her cottage, chewing her lower lip.
"I say we run. We can walk in the creek bed to keep from leaving tracks, and the woods will keep her from finding us easily. Then we can..." Her eyes drift over the bodies of Orpheus and Theseus, their blood staining the grass and flowers they fall upon. "...decide what to do next tonight."
Kyronai deliberates internally for a moment, and then nods.
"Lead the way. You know the area better than I do. King Alexander gave me the use of kingdom resources that we can utilize.
"But we cannot flee forever. I will need to travel back to Olympus to resolve this."
Daphne looks to Bastya. "I'm so sorry you got caught up in all this. It wasn't--"
Her voice catches, and she goes silent. After making sure Bastya is in agreement with the plan, Daphne grabs a few accouterments--it seems she'd already begun to pack when they first got here--and leads the trio to the creek bed. They race into the forest, where she seeks out one of the old shelters she's encountered over the years. Failing that, an adequately dense thicket might do.
Bástya Interposes herself in fount of the blade being brought down on Daphne
"Aye." Bástya starts "I suppose I'm a touch sorry as well, but, better to be caught up in this then still be stuck serving them" She finishes with a gruff glance to the remains of Orpheus and Theseus. After a moment she adds "Not that I'd wish them that fate of course."
She pulls out a hammer to briefly adjust her shield well saying "The plan seems senseable, better leave rather quickly then."
Daphne is able to use her knowledge of this island to find an abandoned shelter. Though still in decent shape, it has long been abandoned and is generally empty save a few pieces of furniture in poor condition. Before leaving, Kyronai also picks up Orpheus' dagger, a slight amount of poison still lingers on the blade.
While Daphne is gathering her things, Kyronai finds a jar or similar container from her home and puts the dagger, poison and all, inside the jar. The jar disappears up one of the sleeves of his robe.
Before the group leaves Bástya will also grab the equipment off of Orpheus and Theseus.
As the group settles into the old shelter, Daphne shifts back into her elven form. Still, one could almost see her wings buzzing with nerves behind her back. Desperate for something to do, she does her best to tidy up the interior.
"I could get off a message," she says, fidgeting. "If you know anyone who can help, I can send a written message. But it will take time. So, um...do you think Zeus would protect you, if he knew what was happening here?"
Kyronai stands motionless at one of the shelter's windows, watching the horizon for any black-winged assassins.
"Perhaps, but I have doubts that I understand Zeus' priorities. Plus, he is in Athens, and I don't know that your message would reach him in time to help us.
"I used to travel with a cleric of Poseidon who could contact his deity through prayer, which seemed to be more effective than similar efforts I'd seen before. The goddess Athena and I are invested in each other, somewhat. I was planning on attempting to pray to her at a temple or shrine after our encounter with Nemesis is over. But, again, she is in Athens.
"King Minos has offered his assistance, but he understands that I am here on behalf of the gods. Asking him to send soldiers to combat a god would make things... problematic."
"I-I guess it's up to us, then. One way or another." Daphne gives a brittle laugh. "Anyone got cards?"
Bástya fails to sense the sarcasm in Daphne's request and furrows her brow slightly as she pulls out her bag of holding and rustles around for a moment before bringing out a deck of Old Mage cards in a leather carrying case. "Aye, I've got a set right here. Do ye have an idea with them?" She says as she hands the deck to Daphne
Daphne smiles sheepishly. "Honestly, I just thought it'd be nice to... find a way to pass the time."
Bástya chuckles lightly at their predicament a spark of longing in her eye "Ah, three dead men play cards well Hel comes looking for them?" she asks jokingly keeping her freindly lilting tone the whole time "Or Hades I suppose, can't help it ye remind me of home." she adds before shuffling the deck and offering "Either of ya heard of Skat?"
Hours pass and nothing happens. No one comes for the group and things are eerily quiet.
"I don't think she's coming." Kyronai finally steps away from his vigil by the window. He sits down near where Daphne and Bástya are sitting.
"Before we leave the relative safety of this building, I think it's time to have a talk and make some decisions.
"First of all, Daphne: Thank you for leading us to safety. I am sorry that this fight was brought to your home. It... seems like it would have done so even if Aikaterine and I had not turned up.
"Second, Bástya: I regret that you came to this land and have been caught up in all of this. I hope that you'll listen to what I have to say next with an open mind.
"Third, me. I am an ex-mercenary, turned adventurer, turned field agent for Olympus. Based on my recent experiences, there are at least three different factions of deities of import right now. Zagreus and those who follow him, the Prometheans; Zeus and those with him, whom I follow; and Poseidon and those with him, such as Nemesis. It seems to me that Poseidon presents himself as having the same priorities as Zeus, but he does not have the same sense of how to accomplish those goals.
"As for Zeus and I think most of Olympus... I have no illusions that while the gods are our protectors and guides, they do not place our interests above their own. Despite that, I am entangled with them, and I will continue to serve them.
"I need to return to Athens to report what has happened here, and though it may seem detrimental to do so, I am inviting you to come with me. I don't know what will happen to you if you stay here... or if you go anywhere else. But sorting things out may best be done openly and honestly, and I can try to help with that."
Bástya chuckles lightly at their predicament a spark of longing in her eye "Ah, three dead men play cards well Hel comes looking for them?" she asks jokingly keeping her freindly lilting tone the whole time "Or Hades I suppose, can't help it ye remind me of home." she adds before shuffling the deck and offering "Either of ya heard of Skat?"
"It rings a bell!" Daphne smiles weakly. "Anyways, I'd love if you taught me. We might be here for a while."
Daphne nods reluctantly as Kyronai breaches the subject they've been avoiding for several hours. "Yeah, I-I guess we'd better get moving. If she's still looking, she'll find us sooner or later, and if she's not, we should be okay getting to Olympus."
She rises and stretches. Her wings and antennae dissolve into golden light, and her form draws itself a little thinner, as she returns to her elven form. "Thanks, Kyro. I appreciate it. I really do." She turns to Bastya. "So, I guess you should know, just so you're not... out of the loop. When I get back to Olympus, they're probably gonna, uh, lock me up."
A sheepish laugh escapes her. She rubs the back of her neck. "I mean, gosh, I sure hope I'm still worth locking up."
Bástya chuckles lightly at their predicament a spark of longing in her eye "Ah, three dead men play cards well Hel comes looking for them?" she asks jokingly keeping her freindly lilting tone the whole time "Or Hades I suppose, can't help it ye remind me of home." she adds before shuffling the deck and offering "Either of ya heard of Skat?""It rings a bell!" Daphne smiles weakly. "Anyways, I'd love if you taught me. We might be here for a while."
"Happy to!" She responds cheerfully
Bástya listens intently as Kyronai talks though the politics of the Greek Pantheon. as he gets to the end she give a single curt nod combined with a grim chuckle "Seems like your gods aren't too different from the ones I ran from." she sighs "I suppose there's some comfort in the universality of the struggle for peace."
A glint of hope can be seen forming in her eye as she continues "But if, as you say, Zeus truly wishes to guide and protect that would be a fight I could join him in." She says with a smile starting to form. She then turns to Daphne and places a hand on her shoulder "And any guide that's worth the salt on their hull wouldn't forsake a friend because they were misled. I believe that he will let Kyronai be your example and your guarantor."
"Besides I came here to find Hephaestus and on my fathers beard I'll be damned if I don't" she finishes.
"I'm with you" she looks back to Kyronai "Both of you."
Kyronai considers both of their words before nodding in acceptance.
"Then I should return to King Alexander to let him know I'm leaving, and then we have a ship waiting to take us back to Athens.
"Poseidon willing."
As they walk back to the city, Kyronai keeps his eyes out for a shrine, temple, or other holy place where he can pray to Athena.
The walk back to the city is uneventful. A few people wave hello to Daphne but you are otherwise unaccosted. There seem to be no shrines or intact temples in the city. Perhaps in time they can be restored, but for now they are but rubble or makeshift housing. When you reach the castle, you are let in. However when you reach the throne where Alexander sits, he seems rather surprised. "Your group looks different. Hello there, Daphne."
A glint of hope can be seen forming in her eye as she continues "But if, as you say, Zeus truly wishes to guide and protect that would be a fight I could join him in." She says with a smile starting to form. She then turns to Daphne and places a hand on her shoulder "And any guide that's worth the salt on their hull wouldn't forsake a friend because they were misled. I believe that he will let Kyronai be your example and your guarantor."
Daphne's lips tighten, but she nods. "Thanks, Bast."
Daphne dips her head in greeting to King Alexander. "Hey, Your Majesty. It's been a minute, huh?"
Seeing that there would be no preferred places to try and pray to Athena as they get closer to the city, Kyronai decides to try and commune with his patron as they walk. He focuses on the quiver she gifted to him.
It was more report than a prayer, and Kyronai wasn't even sure if Athena would receive it since he lacked the devoutness of a priest or oracle. Still, Athena could hopefully intervene with Poseidon and allow Kyronai to return safety.
*********
Kyronai watches the interaction between Alexander and Daphne. Before too many details can be exchanged, he speaks up.
"Your Highness. We engaged the Prometheans, and two of them are dead. Their names were Orpheus and Theseus. This is Bástya, whom they had forced into labor. Slavery. She and Daphne are returning with me to Athens.
"Thank you to you and your soldiers for their assistance."
Daphne looks at Kyronai askance, but says nothing.
You focus on your quiver hoping to spark a connection to Athena. You hear a loud ringing sound inside your ears and then a single word. "Don't"
"Theseus and Orpheus. I knew them once, sad to see them fall so low. Daphne, I am sorry to have you get wrapped up in all this. But I am glad that you were able to help someone out of their servitude."
"Well, the sooner we're off the island, the better, I guess." Daphne looks at Kyronai. "Is there a ship waiting for us?"
"Technically yes, but I've received instructions not to return."
Kyronai relates his very brief conversation with Athena to Daphne, Bástya, and the king.
"Well she is the goddess of wisdom so I would heed her word. You're welcome to stay as long as you need to, as long as you don't mind the mess."
Daphne's eyes narrow. "She did, huh? Did she give any details?"
"No. In my experience, Olympus encourages its agents act with a high level of independence. Part of that practice is giving minimal instruction. Plus, who can fathom the minds of the gods, et cetera, et cetera.
"Despite my patron, I would not say I am a man of faith. However, I believe that the reason Athena has instructed me not to return will make itself apparent if we are patient and observant.
"It could be something as simple as a concern regarding a sea voyage. All things considered."
On the walk over to the palace Bástya was somewhat talkative keeping good conversation but as she enters the palace itself a shift can be seen. She becomes much more silent constantly looking around in awe at the splendor. By the time they arrive to King Alexander she is all but mute silently taking in the surroundings and the conversation happening.
Daphne is quiet for a moment. "Well, then, now what? I mean, we're on an island. Are we just gonna wait in the middle of a populated..." She looks over at Bastya and seems to notice the artificer's wonder. She smiles slightly, then turns back to Kyronai and King Alexander. "I don't like staying this close to shore. Not around so many people. Maybe we should pick up supplies, then find somewhere remote to wait it out. Do any of you have any other ideas?"
"Supplies are a good idea, if you have need of any. I was also thinking you could show us any Promethean-located locales on the island. If there are any further leaders or people important to that movement, we could talk to them, too."
"It seems like you're being followed Kyronai." Bástya suddenly turns and says "Perhaps it would be best not to lead these rebel gods to more targets they will kill without a second thought" She pauses a moment longer and again glances around with wonder before turning back to the group "Despite the beauty of the city, I agree with Daphne I think its best we find someplace on the outskirts to wait for further contact." she completes.
"Sorry, Bast." Daphne smiles sympathetically. "Maybe some other time." She shrugs at Kyronai. "I'm afraid it's... just me. I had to go out of my way to find them when I joined, and this is the first time I've seen one of them even set foot on the island."
The party spends the night in the castle courtesy of King Alexander without incident. He gives you access to whatever stores of goods he has available, though not as much you may be used to.
Breakfast is a simple meal of bread, oats and mead but it is filling. However afterwards, everyone hears the very familiar sound of large wings flapping. From outside the castle gate, you hear yelling and then the of fists meeting jaws and then a few thuds. The gate is then broken down and you all either draw weapons or prepare spells.
However in walks a figure you do not expect. Instead of dark feathered wings, these wings are white as snow. They are also attached to a very chiseled male frame unrestrained by a shirt, with long hair that shines like the golden sun. "Apologies about the guards, but I didn't have time to explain myself. Apollo, god of the sun. I am pleased to meet you all. We have no time to waste, we need to travel back to Athens."
Bástya doesn't initially drop her defensive stance still somewhat shell shocked from her only previous encounter with these gods. She glances around and gages the reactions of her allies before taking any further action.
Kyronai slowly relaxes the pull on his bowstring, whatever spell was primed there dissolving into the ether. He pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts and then bows.
"Lord Apollo. There will be three of us that need to travel to Athens." He indicates Bástya and Daphne.
He has questions, but if he can get off the island without putting them at the risk of Poseidon's casual disregard for their lives, he has to take it.
Taking the cue off of Kyronai Bástya drop her defensive stance but doesn't yet stow her shield.
As Kyronai indicates her she give a curt nod.
Daphne's smile is as taut as a fiddle string. "Yeah, of--of course. Places to be."
As you collect your thoughts, you are able to notice something off about Apollo. Perhaps it is the way he smiles at you, much like an average employee would smile while serving a difficult customer. The Sun God is hiding something.
Kyronai silently watches Apollo while the others speak and prepare for their journey. After a moment, he asks, "Lord Apollo, who informed you that we needed to travel to Athens? Has Lady Nemesis returned safely?"
"I mean, Athena who else?" Apollo replies almost surprised by the question. "Nemesis is fine I guess. We should get moving."
"I mean, Athena who else?" Apollo replies almost surprised by the question.
"Well... Poseidon also has business with us."
Apollo raises a blond eyebrow. "Does he now?" He replies with a hint of nervousness. "I think we should should table any further questions until we get back."